Private Credit Associate | 3-5 Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid | $225,000-$420,000 Base + Bonus | Am Law 100

Private Credit Associate | 3-5 Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid | $225,000-$420,000 Base + Bonus | Am Law 100

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Chambers-ranked Am Law 100 global full-service law firm seeking a Private Credit Associate with three to five years of experience to join its Chicago office on a hybrid basis.

This opportunity offers sophisticated private credit and leveraged finance work for direct lenders, banks, private equity sponsors and borrowers within a nationally recognised finance platform. The successful attorney will work closely with experienced partners, take ownership of core transaction workstreams and gain exposure to complex financings across the middle market.

Company Highlights

• Global Am Law 100 platform

• Chambers-ranked Private Credit and Banking & Finance practices

• More than 60 lawyers dedicated exclusively to private credit

• Advises major direct lenders, banks, sponsors and borrowers

• Deals spanning cash flow, acquisition, unitranche and ABL

• Partner-led culture with early associate responsibility

• Formal mentoring, coaching and lateral integration

• Hybrid working, wellbeing support and paid sabbatical

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a market-leading private credit practice offering:

• Complex direct-lending and leveraged-finance transactions

• Acquisition finance, LBOs and recapitalisations

• Ownership of drafting, diligence and closings

• Direct access to leading partners and clients

• Broad lender, sponsor and borrower exposure

• Structured mentoring and technical development

• Clear progression toward senior responsibility

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead private credit and finance matters, including:

• Represent private credit funds, banks and borrowers

• Draft and negotiate core finance and security documents

• Manage diligence, checklists and closing conditions

• Handle cash-flow, acquisition and LBO financings

• Advise on amendments, refinancings and add-ons

• Collaborate with corporate, tax and restructuring teams

• Coordinate clients, counterparties and local counsel

• Resolve issues with practical, commercial judgement

• Support ABL, workouts and restructurings

The role offers direct partner and client collaboration, increasing responsibility and ownership of key workstreams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking a Private Credit Associate with:

• Three to five years of private credit or finance experience

• Demonstrated lender-side experience; borrower exposure is a plus

• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills

• Cash-flow, acquisition, LBO and recapitalisation experience

• Ability to manage multiple deals and demanding deadlines

• Excellent academics and a J.D. from an accredited law school - T14 preferred

• Illinois Bar admission

• Experience from a nationally recognised law firm

ABL, restructuring or workout experience is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $225,000-$420,000, depending on class year, experience, qualifications and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility, comprehensive health and insurance benefits, retirement support, paid time off, family-care benefits, professional development, wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.

Kindly apply with your resume. Should your experience align with the opportunity we will reach out to telephonically or via e-mail or LinkedIn to schedule a discreet call. All discussions will be handled in strict confidence.

Relevant search terms: private credit associate, finance associate, direct lending attorney, leveraged finance associate, lender-side finance, borrower finance, acquisition finance, cash-flow lending, leveraged buyout financing, recapitalisation, unitranche financing, asset-based lending, credit agreements, security documents, intercreditor agreements, private equity sponsor finance, Chicago attorney jobs, Illinois Bar, Am Law 100, mid-level associate

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